Here are some reputable companies that offer travel insurance policies after you’ve left for your trip:

1. World Nomads

Why It’s Great:
World Nomads is well-known for its flexible policies and allows travelers to buy insurance even after they’ve left. They offer coverage for a wide range of activities, making them a popular choice for adventure travelers.

Key Features:

• Covers emergency medical expenses and evacuations
• Coverage for adventure sports and high-risk activities
• Allows policy extensions and renewals while abroad

2. SafetyWing

Why It’s Great:
SafetyWing specializes in affordable travel medical insurance for long-term travelers and digital nomads. Their policies can be purchased after departure and work on a subscription model, allowing for month-to-month coverage that can be canceled anytime.

Key Features:

• Affordable monthly payments, ideal for long-term travelers
• Emergency medical coverage and some COVID-19 coverage
• Flexible policy that can be started and stopped as needed

3. Seven Corners

Why It’s Great:
Seven Corners offers a variety of plans that can be purchased after departure, including medical-only plans and comprehensive travel insurance. They’re known for their strong international support network and high medical coverage limits.

Key Features:

• High coverage limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation
• Ideal for international travelers needing medical-only or comprehensive coverage
• Multilingual 24/7 support available worldwide

4. IMG (International Medical Group)

Why It’s Great:
IMG offers customizable travel medical insurance that can be bought after departure. Their plans cover a wide range of needs, from short-term trips to long-term international stays, making them a good option for expats and students abroad.

Key Features:

• High-limit medical insurance plans with flexible terms
• Coverage available for expats, students, and missionaries
• 24/7 customer support and a global healthcare network

Types of Coverage Typically Available

When purchasing travel insurance after departure, here’s what’s usually available:

• Emergency Medical and Evacuation: Covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, and evacuation back to your home country if necessary.
• Trip Interruption: Reimburses certain expenses if your trip is cut short due to covered reasons, like a family emergency.
• Baggage and Personal Belongings: Offers protection for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage.
• Adventure Sports Coverage: Some providers, like World Nomads, offer coverage for adventure activities, though it may vary by policy.

How to Choose the Right Plan

If you’re considering buying travel insurance after your trip has started, here are a few tips to find the right policy:

1. Check Provider Options: Not all insurance companies allow post-departure purchases, so stick to companies known for this option.
2. Understand Coverage Limits: Make sure the coverage limits meet your needs, especially for emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
3. Look for Flexible Terms: Some providers, like SafetyWing, offer month-to-month plans, which can be useful for long-term travelers.
4. Read the Fine Print: Verify any exclusions or waiting periods that might apply since policies bought after departure often have specific terms.

In Summary: Is It Worth It?

Purchasing travel insurance after departure can still offer valuable protection, especially for unexpected medical emergencies and interruptions. Whether you’re a long-term traveler or simply forgot to buy insurance before leaving, companies like World Nomads, SafetyWing, Seven Corners, and IMG provide flexible options to ensure you’re covered even after your journey has begun.

Choosing the best travel insurance is about finding a provider that offers robust coverage, reliable customer support, and flexible plans to meet your specific travel needs. Below are some of the top-rated travel insurance companies, known for their comprehensive plans, competitive pricing, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

1. Allianz Global Assistance

Why It’s Great:
Allianz is widely recognized for its flexible travel insurance plans and extensive customer service network. With coverage options ranging from trip cancellations to emergency medical expenses, Allianz offers reliable and comprehensive plans suitable for a variety of travelers.

Highlights:

• Extensive range of plans, including annual and single-trip options
• High coverage limits for medical and trip interruption
• 24/7 multilingual support and online claims process

Ideal For: Travelers seeking a trustworthy provider with comprehensive coverage options for both domestic and international trips.

2. World Nomads

Why It’s Great:
Popular among backpackers and adventure travelers, World Nomads covers a wide array of adventure sports and high-risk activities, such as scuba diving, skiing, and hiking. World Nomads also allows you to purchase or extend coverage while already traveling, which is convenient for spontaneous or long-term trips.

Highlights:

• Extensive coverage for adventure sports and risky activities
• Flexible policy extensions while traveling
• Simple online claims process and 24/7 assistance

Ideal For: Adventure travelers and those planning extended trips or spontaneous journeys.

3. Seven Corners

Why It’s Great:
Seven Corners offers specialized coverage for different travel scenarios, including medical-only plans, trip protection, and annual multi-trip policies. Known for its comprehensive international medical coverage, Seven Corners is an excellent choice for those needing substantial medical protection abroad.

Highlights:

• Diverse range of policies, including annual multi-trip plans
• Strong medical coverage, including emergency evacuations
• 24/7 multilingual global support

Ideal For: International travelers and expats seeking robust medical coverage.

4. IMG (International Medical Group)

Why It’s Great:
IMG offers highly customizable travel medical plans that are ideal for both short-term trips and long-term stays. With IMG’s plans, travelers can select coverage levels for medical emergencies, evacuation, and more. Their network of global healthcare providers ensures reliable support abroad.

Highlights:

• Comprehensive travel medical plans with customizable coverage
• Ideal for international students, expats, and missionaries
• 24/7 support and extensive healthcare network

Ideal For: Long-term travelers and those needing flexible, extensive medical coverage abroad.

5. Travelex Insurance Services

Why It’s Great:
Travelex offers straightforward, budget-friendly travel insurance options with essential coverage, such as trip cancellation, interruption, and emergency medical assistance. Their plans can also be enhanced with add-ons, like adventure sports and rental car coverage.

Highlights:

• Affordable coverage with customizable add-ons
• Essential protection for trip cancellations and medical expenses
• Child coverage at no additional cost on some plans

Ideal For: Families and travelers seeking affordable, essential coverage with customization options.

6. AIG Travel Guard

Why It’s Great:
AIG Travel Guard is known for its high-coverage options, covering everything from trip cancellations to emergency medical expenses. They provide various plans to match different budgets and coverage needs, along with 24/7 emergency assistance.

Highlights:

• Wide range of coverage options, including deluxe plans
• Reliable customer support and worldwide assistance
• Comprehensive trip and medical benefits

Ideal For: Travelers wanting a range of options, from basic to deluxe coverage, with global support.

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Trip

Here are a few tips to help narrow down your choice:

1. Evaluate Your Needs: Consider what kind of coverage you need—medical, trip cancellation, lost baggage—and pick a provider that excels in those areas.
2. Look for Adventure Coverage: If you plan on participating in high-risk activities, choose a provider like World Nomads or Travelex that covers adventure sports.
3. Check Policy Limits: Make sure the policy’s medical and cancellation limits align with the risks associated with your destination.
4. Assess Customer Support: A provider with reliable 24/7 global assistance is essential, especially for international trips.
5. Compare Pricing and Coverage: Get quotes from multiple companies to find the best coverage for your budget.

These top travel insurance providers offer reliable and flexible plans for travelers of all kinds, from backpackers to families and frequent business travelers. Investing in a reputable travel insurance policy can provide invaluable peace of mind, making your journey as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Travel insurance costs can vary widely based on several factors, including the length of your trip, your age, destination, and coverage needs. Here’s a breakdown of typical travel insurance costs and tips on how to get the best coverage without overspending.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance

Generally, travel insurance costs about 4-10% of your total trip cost. Here’s a quick look at how these percentages translate into actual costs:

• For a $2,000 trip: Expect to pay around $80 to $200 for travel insurance.
• For a $5,000 trip: The cost may range from $200 to $500.
• For a $10,000 trip: The insurance could cost between $400 and $1,000.

The cost percentage will vary based on the level of coverage. A basic plan with essential coverage (like trip cancellations and medical emergencies) will be at the lower end, while comprehensive policies with high medical coverage, emergency evacuations, and adventure sports add-ons will be on the higher end.

Factors That Affect Travel Insurance Cost

Several factors influence the cost of travel insurance:

1. Trip Cost: Higher trip costs mean higher insurance premiums, as insurance covers prepaid expenses in case of cancellation.
2. Age of Traveler: Older travelers typically pay more due to increased health risks.
3. Destination: Countries with high healthcare costs, like the U.S. and Canada, will have higher insurance costs. Traveling to remote or high-risk areas can also raise the premium.
4. Coverage Type: Comprehensive policies that cover a range of incidents (like cancellations, medical care, and evacuation) will cost more than basic plans.
5. Trip Duration: Longer trips generally cost more to insure due to the extended exposure to risks.
6. Add-Ons: Coverage for high-risk activities like skiing, scuba diving, and other adventure sports can increase the premium.

Types of Travel Insurance Plans and Their Costs

• Basic Plans: Generally cost around 4% of the trip cost and cover essential risks, like trip cancellation, delay, and medical emergencies.
• Comprehensive Plans: Cost about 7-10% of the trip cost, covering medical evacuation, lost or stolen baggage, and sometimes additional coverage for adventure activities.
• Annual Multi-Trip Plans: Cost between $200-$500 for frequent travelers needing coverage for multiple trips in a year.
• Student and Long-Term Plans: Range from $500-$1,500, depending on the coverage level, ideal for students studying abroad or expats.

How to Save on Travel Insurance

To keep travel insurance costs affordable, here are some helpful tips:

1. Compare Quotes: Using comparison websites or directly checking with top providers helps you find the best deal for the same coverage.
2. Opt for an Annual Plan: If you travel multiple times a year, an annual plan can save money over buying separate policies.
3. Avoid Over-Insuring: Only insure prepaid and non-refundable costs—don’t include refundable expenses.
4. Bundle Coverage: Some credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk, which can save you from purchasing separate coverage.
5. Adjust Deductibles: Choosing a higher deductible will reduce the premium. Make sure the deductible aligns with your risk tolerance.

Is Travel Insurance Worth the Cost?

Travel insurance can save you thousands in unexpected costs, especially for international trips or those involving substantial prepaid expenses. Medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or lost baggage are common risks that can be costly without coverage. Travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection, making it a worthwhile investment for most travelers.

Choosing the right travel insurance can make all the difference in ensuring a stress-free and protected journey. While there are many insurance providers available, some have risen to the top due to their comprehensive coverage, customer service, and global assistance networks. Here’s a look at some of the best insurance companies for travel, known for offering reliable policies and specialized plans.

Traveling can be thrilling, but unexpected events like flight delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Seven Corners, a trusted name in travel insurance, offers a range of policies designed to cover such unexpected incidents, providing peace of mind for travelers around the world. Here’s a look at Seven Corners Travel Insurance, what it covers, and why it might be the right choice for your next trip.

About Seven Corners

Seven Corners, founded in 1993, is a U.S.-based insurance company known for offering comprehensive travel insurance plans. With over two decades of experience, Seven Corners has built a reputation for dependable service, a wide variety of insurance options, and 24/7 multilingual customer support. They provide plans tailored to different types of travelers, including tourists, students, and expatriates.

Types of Travel Insurance Plans by Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers several insurance plans catering to different travel needs:

1. Trip Protection Plans

• Covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays
• Offers reimbursement for prepaid expenses if you need to cancel due to covered reasons like illness or natural disasters
• Includes coverage for lost or delayed baggage

2. Travel Medical Insurance

• Essential for international travelers who may not have coverage outside their home country
• Offers emergency medical benefits, including hospital stays and medical evacuations
• Available with various coverage limits, depending on your destination and health needs

3. Annual Multi-Trip Plans

• Ideal for frequent travelers, these plans cover multiple trips within a year
• Includes benefits like emergency medical evacuation, trip interruption, and lost baggage coverage
• Provides continuous coverage without needing to purchase a new policy for each trip

4. Student Travel Insurance

• Designed for students studying abroad
• Covers medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and, in some plans, tuition reimbursement
• Often required by universities or visa authorities for international students

Key Benefits of Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers many benefits that make it a solid choice for travelers:

• Customizable Coverage: Plans can be tailored based on trip length, destination, and coverage preferences.
• Global Support: Multilingual 24/7 assistance available worldwide, so you’re never left without help in an emergency.
• Flexible Pricing Options: Different coverage levels to suit a wide range of budgets, making it affordable for various types of travelers.
• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Offers higher medical coverage limits than many competitors, ideal for travelers concerned about health-related expenses abroad.
• Digital Services: Easy online quote tools, claim submissions, and customer support make managing your policy convenient.

When to Consider Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Here are some scenarios where Seven Corners could be particularly valuable:

• International Travel: If your domestic health insurance doesn’t cover you overseas, Seven Corners’ medical plans offer peace of mind.
• Adventure Travel: Coverage for medical evacuations and high-limit medical expenses makes Seven Corners a good choice for high-risk activities.
• Study Abroad Programs: Students traveling for academic programs will find Seven Corners’ specialized student plans very useful.
• Frequent Business Travelers: The annual multi-trip plan saves time and money for those who travel frequently, without the need to buy a new policy for every trip.

How to Purchase a Seven Corners Policy

Buying a policy is simple and can be done online through the Seven Corners website. By entering details about your travel plans and coverage preferences, you can get a personalized quote. Policies can also be managed through their digital portal, where you can access customer support and file claims easily.

In Summary: Should You Choose Seven Corners?

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers a variety of travel insurance products that can be customized for nearly every type of traveler. Known for its reliability and comprehensive benefits, it’s a solid option whether you’re planning a short domestic trip or an extended international adventure. Before purchasing, make sure to read the policy details carefully, as coverage and exclusions may vary based on location and type of travel.

My visit to Dubai a few years ago was one of my most surprising trips. Dubai, which aims to become the tourism capital of the world, has quickly become a fashionable destination. Its tourism growth is impressive, going from 9 million tourists in 2011 to 11 million in 2013 and is targeting more than 25 million for 2020. This city leaves no one indifferent. Despised by some, admired by others, Dubai is full of surprising activities. After my article on visiting Dubai here is a top 5 of the activities to do in Dubai.

During my cruise in the Persian Gulf, I had the chance to visit several cities. Dubai, of course, with its endless skyscrapers including Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world on which I had the chance to climb, but I was also able to visit Abu Dhabi. This city, less touristy, less publicized and much calmer than Dubai surprised me a lot. Abu Dhabi is a city that lends itself well enough to a stay of a few days or even a visit from Dubai for the day.

Visit Abu Dhabi: Some information to know

Abu Dhabi is a city, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but it is also the name of one of the seven emirates that make up this country. The richest of all. Indeed Abu Dhabi entered a new area after the 1960s with the discovery and exploitation of the riches of its subsoil. Indeed, it is with oil (of which Abu Dhabi has 9% of world reserves) and natural gas (of which Abu Dhabi has 5% of world reserves) that Abu Dhabi was able to become the city it is now.
Abu Dhabi is a rich city and it shows. You can’t miss the famous 7-star hotel welcoming the most important and wealthy with rooms costing tens of thousands of euros a night, the Emirates Palace Hotel. This hotel has a private beach built with sand imported from Algeria. It testifies to the wealth that circulates in the city.
Besides this hotel, you will find many buildings there, like the famous Etihad Towers, huge shopping centers, the most modern museums and crazy projects.
Let’s go for a little visit to Abu Dhabi and its essentials.

What to do in Abu Dhabi: the essentials of a visit to Abu Dhabi

Visit Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, the 8th largest in the world. Its construction lasted nearly 12 years and cost 400 million euros. It can accommodate 40,000 people. She is of rare beauty, one of the most beautiful in the world. Its interior decoration is very rich, with the largest chandelier in the world, 10 m in diameter and more than 12 tons. The mosque also has the largest carpet in the world, over 5,600 square meters.
The mosque is open to non-Muslims every day of the week except Friday. To visit the Abu Dhabi Mosque you can go there directly or opt for a guided tour of the city which will make you discover the main places of Abu Dhabi including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Abu Dhabi, World Capital of Culture

While Dubai is aiming for the title of world capital of tourism within a few years, Abu Dhabi covets the title of world capital of culture and is giving itself the means to do so. Indeed, projects linked to culture are multiplying and are part of a more global project, Abu Dhabi 2030. Abu Dhabi has quite simply dedicated an island to receive these cultural projects, Saadiyat Island. You will soon find:

The Zayed National Museum

The Zayed National Museum project was originally a project carried out in partnership with the British Museum in London. A project unveiled in 2010 which was originally due to see the light of day in 2013. A few complications prompted the British Museum to withdraw from the project. We do not know, at present, if the project will see the light of day.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

In the image of the project in partnership with the British Museum, the Louvre Museum has also joined forces on a “Louvre Abu Dhabi” project. A project initially started in 2007 which saw the light of day at the end of 2017. The atypical architecture of the building was entrusted to the famous architect Jean Nouvel.
Since 2009, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum has been purchasing numerous works in order to enrich its permanent collection. There are objects dating from antiquity but also more recent until the 21st century.
The museum is located on Saadiyat Island about ten kilometers from downtown Abu Dhabi. If you wish to visit Louvre Abu Dhabi, it is possible to purchase your skip-the-line tickets in advance online. Entrance costs a little less than € 20.

Le Performing Arts Center

The Performing Arts Center is the artistic center of Abu Dhabi, a city of the arts. This center, whose construction has not yet started, should include 5 theaters, a concert hall, a music hall or an opera house. It will have a very particular shape. Its creator wanting to give an organic and vegetal side to this building. It is planned on the same island as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s new cultural district.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

The Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi will be the 6th (and largest) Guggenheim Museum. After Berlin, Bilbao, Las Vegas, New York and Venice, Abu Dhabi will soon inaugurate the largest Guggenheim museum in the world with an area of ​​30,000 square meters. The construction of this museum is scheduled for 2018.

Yas Island, leisure above all

In addition to these places devoted to culture, mainly located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi recently created an island dedicated to leisure. This island hosts the craziest attractions, it is Yas Island. This island aims to host the craziest attractions in order to be entertained. It already hosts some world famous places.

Abu Dhabi and its Formula 1 circuit

First of all there is the famous circuit of Formula 1, the Yas Marina. Each year, a stage of the Formula 1 world championship takes place on this circuit. Like all the buildings in Abu Dhabi, this circuit has a very particular design because it passes under a hotel, also very design. Every year at least in November, the best Formula 1 drivers compete on this 5.5 km long circuit. The circuit also hosts motorcycle GP races.
It is possible to visit this Formula 1 circuit for around thirty euros.

Ferrari World d’Abu Dhabi

Close to this circuit you cannot miss the famous Ferrari World. Indeed, it is on this island that Ferrari has decided to set up its indoor amusement park. Opened in 2010, it has a very elaborate design with the largest roof in the world, 220,000 square meters. This park has many roller coasters, including the fastest in the world as well as the largest Ferrari logo in the world. An amusement park that will delight young and old alike with thrilling attractions!
Entrance to Ferrari World costs around 70 €, it is possible to buy tickets on the internet in advance.

Yas WaterWorld, Abu Dhabi’s water park

Let’s continue our journey a bit to head towards one of the largest water park in the world. The Yas WaterWorld. A huge 15-hectare water park with close to 43 attractions including a 238-meter-long water slide. This incredible water park hosts the Flowboarding World Championship every year. The park is divided into 8 zones, each with their own particularity. This park has received many distinctions including that of the main attraction of the Middle East in 2013, it was also elected among the 12 best water parks in the world!
The park was designed to respect sustainable development standards.

Where to sleep in Abu Dhabi?

Several places are to be favored if you are looking for a place to sleep in Abu Dhabi, the first being the Corniche, Corniche Road, a promenade of several kilometers long which runs along the sea. This place constitutes a first choice place to stay in Abu Dhabi.
Even if Abu Dhabi is full of overpriced hotels, it is quite possible to stay inexpensively in Abu Dhabi. I can recommend two ideally located hotels, the Novel Hotel City Center and the Sofitel Abu Dhabi. These two hotels offer great services for reasonable prices, at less than € 90 per night.
If you have a slightly more comfortable budget, you can head to Al Maryah Island which has some very nice hotels without spending several thousand euros on a room. This is the case of Rosewood Abu Dhabi or the Four Seasons.

My opinion on Abu Dhabi

During my visit to Dubai I, of course, visited many places, trendy hotels, beaches, chic districts but also the famous Burj Khalifa (Burj meaning tower in Arabic). I spoke about it briefly in my article on Dubai but I decided to devote an article to it. In this article, you will find all my advice for a successful visit to Burj Khalifa. Its history, how to book your ascent of Burj Khalifa? What are your options for visit Burj Khalifa ?

First of all, for what it won’t talk to, Burj Khalifa is, quite simply, the tallest tower in the world. Burj Khalifa is therefore 828 meters high, for 160 floors. It consists mainly of apartments, offices and also a luxury hotel. This tower is located (obviously) in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It is located in the district of DownTown Burj Khalifa. This district is really spectacular, you can walk there for long hours. We will talk soon about the different things to see and do in the surroundings.

Burj Khalifa history

For the record Burj Khalifa was originally not to be called Burj Khalifa but Burj Dubai. Indeed, the tower was renamed at its inauguration with the name of Sheikh Khalifa, Emir of Abhu Dabi and President of the United Arab Emirates. In the midst of the financial crisis, the emirate of Dubai was hampered in its frenzied construction momentum by a lack of money. Dubai therefore did not have the financial means to complete its huge Downtown project. Burj Khalifa. It is therefore the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi which came to the aid of Dubai by financing the crazy project of Dubai to the tune of 10 billion dollars. In return, the tower was renamed Burj Khalifa.

The Burj Khalifa project began in 2003 when one of Dubai’s leading real estate companies decided to build the tallest tower in the world. Initially the tower was to measure only 560 meters in height but in view of the many similar projects, the promoter decided to considerably increase the size to arrive at this final size of 828 meters. Although it has undergone many controversies, especially on the working conditions of workers, the tower is a real technical feat. The figures are staggering, 39,000 tons of steel, 330,000 cubic meters of concrete for a total of more than 22 million cumulative working hours. The tower can accommodate more than 35,000 people at the same time distributed in the 304 hotel rooms and 900 apartments that compose it.
It was in 2010, on January 4, that the tower was inaugurated. Today it is possible to visit Burj Khalifa by accessing different floors (the 124, 125 and 148th) open to the public.

Visiting Burj Khalifa is a must in Dubai, the ascent of this tower is called ” At The Top “For floors 124 and 125 and” At The Top Sky » for floor 148. This visit is, of course, not free. The price varies depending on the floor you want to access. Indeed, it is possible to visit Burj Khalifa by joining one of the three floors open to the public: the 124th, 125th or 148th. It is mandatory to book your ascent of the tower in advance. Once you have entered Burj Khalifa, you will first wait in a sort of waiting room in which you can admire a miniature representation of the tower.

Once your turn has arrived, you will therefore pass security gates and a souvenir photo. Further on, you will advance through several corridors of the tower until you reach … the end of the queue. I you therefore strongly recommend the purchase of skip-the-line tickets. So let’s resume our queue through several corridors, plunged into darkness with a timeline telling you the history of the tower and exposing you its impressive figures and records.
Finally your turn. You will therefore enter one of the two elevators available to tourists. Large elevators, very design, also totally black with a small counter that shows you which floor you are on.

The elevator starts up, and even though we can’t see the outside, we feel the elevator pick up speed, reaching its maximum speed of 18 meters per second (world record). The floors indicator scrolls through the numbers to a pretty impressive visit. Be careful with the ears, they get blocked very quickly and will hurt you slightly.

Once at the top, you arrive in a large room, completely glazed and offering you an exceptional view. You can also go out onto a small terrace. Look up, you will have a rather strange feeling when you see what is left in height, almost 400 meters. The height of the tower is truly impressive. From this point of view you will be able to see almost everything. First of all, the roof of the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa lake, the city is its innumerable towers (which will immediately seem smaller to you), in the distance you will see “The World”, the artificial islands of Dubai then in the distance. horizon la jumeirah palm. Many “interactive binoculars” are available and show you the different places in the city that you see, you can even see what they look like at night, thanks to the screens of these binoculars.

You will find, on this floor, a souvenir shop as well as a stand to have your photograph taken.
A new queue awaits you before descending, just as quickly, via the same elevator.
I advise you to visit Burj Khalifa by day, but to stay near it to admire the tower at night. The lighting of the tower and the district is really sumptuous. You can also opt for a combination which will allow you to enjoy the café located on the ground floor of the tower.

Burj Khalifa in numbers

• 330,000 m3 of reinforced concrete
• 39,000 tonnes of steel beams
• 142,000 m2 of glass
• More than 24,000 windows
• 57 elevators
• The fastest elevator in the world: 18m / second or 40 km / hour
• 22 million cumulative working hours
• Tallest tower in the world: 828 meters high
• 160 floors
• Highest panoramic terrace in the world: 452 meters
• The tower is (theoretically) visible 90 km away.
• Cost of the tower: $ 1.5 billion

My opinion on the Burj Khalifa

For me, a visit to Burj Khalifa is a must-see in Dubai. This tower, the tallest in the world, is truly surprising. From start to finish the experience is unique. Even the ascent, in the fastest elevator in the world, is an experience in itself.
The view from the top of the tower is impressive and offers a breathtaking panorama of the city of Dubai and its surroundings.
So this is a tour that I highly recommend if you are visiting Dubai.

Around Burj Khalifa

Visiting Burj Khalifa also means visiting the neighborhood that surrounds it. In addition, this tower, the district and the surroundings are among the most attractive in Dubai. You will find many hotels there, including the famous The Address, the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world, a veritable labyrinth of shops where it is pleasant to cool off when the heat becomes hard to bear outside. You will also find the Burj Khalifa Lake with its impressive Dubai Fountain, a real aquatic spectacle with the highest water jets in the world. A visit to Dubai should be near these fountains. One should not miss under any circumstances one of the shows that animates the fountain. Every day at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday), then in the evening every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. and until 11 p.m. the fountains of the basin come alive and offer a beautiful sound and light show. The Dubai Fountain’s water jets are among the tallest in the world, rising to over 275 meters in height. More than 6,000 lights illuminate this pool of water located at the foot of Burj Khalifa. It is even possible to see the spectacle up close by opting for a boat trip on this body of water!

Burj Khalifa: Questions / Answers

What year was Burj Khalifa built?
Work on the tower began in 2003 and ended in 2009. The inauguration was celebrated in 2010.
How high is the tower?
The tower measures 829 meters with the antenna.
Which floors of Burj Khalifa can you climb to?
It is possible to reach floors 124, 125 and 148.
What is the price to visit Burj Khalifa?
It all depends on the floor you want to go up to.
Between € 30 and € 47 for floors 124 and 125. Prices vary depending on the hour.
Between 80 € and 115 € for floor 148. Here too the prices vary according to the time of day.

During my recent trip to Morocco, I, as you may have understood, visited the magnificent artisanal city of Fez. This city is actually split in two with on one side the new city comprising the royal palace and more typical European and American shops with an architecture that combines modernity and tradition. On the other hand, the medina of Fez which takes us into the splendor of Morocco and its quality craftsmanship.

This is why I am writing this post to let you know about our choice by explaining to you the advantages it could bring us throughout our stay. First of all, we hesitated for a long time when choosing our accommodation between these two solutions. Indeed, the new city has the advantage of more nocturnal activities while the medina offers various activities throughout the day with many visits such as tanneries, palaces (of Glaoui in particular) or the Medersa Bou Inania.

Riad Adarissa, a quality location

Our choice finally fell on the medina and more precisely on Riad Adarissa. The latter has the advantage of being located very close to the main entrance to the medina, namely Bab Boujloud. To get there from Fez train station, count around ten dirhams by taxi. Once you arrive there you will be there in just 5 minutes of walking. The route also has the advantage of being simple, because the medina is full of streets and you can get lost easily. You can still count on the friendliness and kindness of the locals to show you the way in the event of a mishap.

Once, in Riad Adarissa we find everything that makes the charm of Morocco with an open courtyard. The staff were also very courteous and helpful throughout our stay. We were also treated to a Moroccan tea on our arrival. It is also in this same courtyard that we had a hearty and typically Moroccan lunch. Nothing better before starting a day of travel.

The Mohammed Leftah room

The rooms are spacious and very comfortable. After a good day of walking in the medina, it is all the more appreciable. They are also fully functional with everything you need to keep up to date with the latest news or activity feeds from our favorite social networks. A safe is present, which is reassuring if you do not want to carry a too heavy bag during the busy days of visits.

Mohammed Leftah Room
Average price: 67 € / night

Equipments:

• TV with satellite dishes
• Internet par wi-fi
• Safety deposit box
• Telephone socket
• Air conditioner
• Heater

A traditional bathroom

The bathroom is just as spacious and combines modernity and tradition. Indeed, an artisanal seal was available in the shower to be able to rinse off. I have to admit, it turns out to be very effective, especially since we had quite a bit of desert sand left on us.

Soak up the sun in the medina

This Riad also offers a magnificent terrace, which will delight more than one in the summer evening. We find there the typical style of Andalusian and Arab fortifications. This also allows you to gain height over the whole of the medina and to be able to admire the Marinid tombs or the minarets nearby. Unfortunately, we did not have time to take advantage of it with our busy schedule and the temperatures which can be cold in March.

In summary, finding accommodation while traveling is always a delicate step and Riad Adarissa convinced us with its quality, its prime location in the medina.

Information on Riad Adarissa:
Site : http://www.riadadarissafes.com/
Tel : 00 212 652-487977
Adresse : Talaa Kebira | Derb Sidi Yaala n° 4, Fès 30200, Maroc

Here is my second article on my road trip in Morocco. Today I will tell you about our journey to reach what was, the primary goal of our trip to Morocco: the sand dunes of Merzouga.
Indeed even if our trip was not only to reach the Moroccan sand desert in Merzouga, it was one of our first goals. We wanted to spend a night in the desert, admire the sunset but also the sunrise. So I will tell you how we were able to achieve this goal.

Departure from Fez, Direction Merzouga

To reach the sand dunes of Merzouga, it’s a safe bet that you will come either from Marrakech or from Fez. Having already visited Marrakech in the past, we opted for a flight to Fez, the city where we took the car rental to reach Merzouga. The road being relatively long, nearly 500 kilometers and rich in things to see, we decided to make several stopovers including one to spend the night.

Fes – Ifrane

Our first stop was shortly before arriving in Ifrane, at Lake Aoua. The reason for this stop, a magnificent panorama of Lake Aoua and the first glimpse of the diversity of Morocco’s landscapes. Lake Aoua is located a few kilometers from the main road and therefore will not waste your time.

Second stop, Ifrane. The arrival in Ifrane is truly disconcerting, an impression of no longer being in Morocco but in Switzerland or in a town in the French Alps. This town is located at more than 1700 meters above sea level, famous for its ski resort located a few kilometers from the city, Ifrane is regularly snowed, as it was a few weeks before our arrival.

In Ifrane you will surely have the chance to see storks which are there in number.

Azrou

Azrou is one of the most famous sites on the road that connects Fez to Merzouga. You will be able to discover the oldest cedar in Morocco, more than 800 years old. A majestic cedar at the entrance of a forest where you will have the chance to see and feed monkeys. Indeed, many monkeys are free on the site and they love peanuts that you can buy on the spot. Nice experience.

Midelt

Midelt is the city where we decided to spend the night. This city is located 230 kilometers south of Fez, about halfway between Fez and Merzouga. There you will find hotels, restaurants and a medina.

On the road

These 470 kilometers of road through Morocco will have allowed us to discover the diversity of the landscapes. Between rock and sand deserts, crossing the Middle Atlas, plains and plateaus, or even Oued, the landscapes that you will have the opportunity to see are very varied and breathtaking. I offer you this small photo gallery which will give you an overview.

Find all my photos on my Pinterest account.

Merzouga

The arrival in Merzouga was made at Ksar Bicha. I will tell you more about this Ksar in the rest of my article. Once arrived at Ksar, head for the sand dunes. Two hours of camel ride separate the entrance to the desert from the camp where we are going to spend the night.
Many must tell themselves that in the desert, in the middle of nowhere, there is not much to do, and think again.

Surfing in the middle of the desert

First activity, and not the least surprising, surfing in the desert. Indeed the Ksar where we stayed is located at the foot of one of the largest dunes in the region which offers an ideal setting to try sand surfing. After several tens of minutes to reach the top of the dune (the climb is very physical), you can give yourself to your heart’s content by surfing the dune. There is very little chance that you will hurtle down the slope in one go, you will surely fall several times but do not worry, it is only very fine sand that you sink quickly into.

Sunset

One of the must-sees of this excursion, the sunset. The ideal panorama is obviously from the top of this famous dune which constitutes the ideal point of view. The desert then stretches as far as the eye can see in front of you, you will see the sun gradually disappear behind the horizon. Do not start your climb too late, you risk missing this magical moment. Little advice, if you intend to surf, given the difficulty of the climb, capitalize your efforts by going up with your surfboard to watch this sunset and descend the dune with the surf.

Meal and evening

A meal in the middle of the desert is a real experience. Despite a slight apprehension about the comfort of the camp, my doubts very quickly vanished. A solar panel and a well offer you all the expected comfort, see more, when staying in the desert. We were treated to a generous couscous followed by a moment around the campfire with the people from the camp. The calm of the desert is truly surprising and the sky that you will have the chance to admire is really worth the detour.

Sunrise

The sunrise, like the sunset, is a real spectacle. This will, of course, require you to get up early, but it’s worth it. Woke up at 5 am to climb the nearby dune to record this video.